brainstem motor system
Acronym: BSM
The term brainstem motor system (BSM) refers to one of three functionally defined parts of the cerebrospinal trunk (CST). The others are the subcortical sensory systems and the behavioral state system ( Swanson-2004 ). All are found in the human, macaque, rat and mouse ( NeuroNames ). It consists of eight multinuclear structures, extending from the hypothalamus (HYP) to the medulla (MDL).
      The BSM functions primarily in the control of behavior and visceral functions. The core of the more loosely defined extrapyramidal motor system ( Anthoney-1994 ), it controls behavior and associated (primarily cardiovascular) autonomic functions by multisynaptic pathways that run in the core of the cerebrospinal trunk (CST). The behavioral component controls musculature of the limbs, trunk, head and eyes. The autonomic component controls blood flow and other functions of internal organs. ( Swanson-2003 ).
      Functioning in parallel with faster, higher-precision cortical motor control through the corticospinal tract (cst), Ithe BSM provides motor control for the motivational control system and the instinctive control system ( Bowden-2021 ). Updated 6 Nov 2025.

Also known as: motor systemNeuroNames ID : 2876


Species Having or Lacking this Structure

All Names & Sources

Internal Structure

Cells Found There

Genes Expressed There

Locus in Brain Hierarchy

Connections

Models Where It Appears

Publications About It



BrainInfo                           Copyright 1991-present                          University of Washington